Launched in April 2022, Mission Amrit Sarovar is a flagship initiative aimed at combating water scarcity across India. The mission seeks to construct and rejuvenate water bodies, ensuring sustainable water sources for rural communities. As of January 2025, the mission has surpassed its initial goal, successfully constructing or revitalizing over 68,000 ponds, significantly exceeding the target of 50,000 ponds nationwide.
Objectives of Mission Amrit Sarovar
The primary objective of the initiative is to address water scarcity in rural areas by creating 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district. This large-scale effort aligns with India’s commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and water conservation. By promoting water resource management, the mission aims to improve agricultural productivity, groundwater recharge, and overall community well-being.
Phases of Implementation
The implementation of Mission Amrit Sarovar is divided into phases:
- Phase I: Focused on rapid construction and rejuvenation of water bodies, achieving notable milestones.
- Phase II: Emphasizes community participation to ensure the long-term sustainability of these water resources. This phase encourages local involvement in the maintenance and conservation of the newly developed ponds.
Collaboration and Support
The success of Mission Amrit Sarovar is driven by multi-departmental collaboration, with eight central ministries contributing to its execution, including:
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Ministry of Water Resources
Additionally, technical expertise is provided by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), enhancing efficiency through geospatial data and monitoring tools.
Utilization of Technology
The integration of geospatial technology plays a crucial role in identifying suitable locations for pond construction and rejuvenation. The use of satellite imagery, remote sensing, and digital mapping has improved the effectiveness of site selection, ensuring optimal water conservation efforts.
Progress and Achievements
As of January 2025:
- Over 81,000 potential Amrit Sarovars have been identified.
- More than 66,000 water bodies have been successfully completed.
- States like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have shown exceptional progress, nearing their district-specific targets.
These achievements underscore the mission’s dedication to water conservation and its operational efficiency in executing large-scale projects.
Challenges and Resource Mobilization
Despite significant progress, some states face challenges in meeting their targets, often due to resource constraints and geographical limitations. To address these challenges, funds are mobilized through:
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
- State-specific government initiatives
These funding mechanisms ensure continuous support for the mission’s objectives.
Community Engagement and Participation
A key aspect of Mission Amrit Sarovar is active community involvement. The initiative encourages participation from local communities, NGOs, and self-help groups, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for maintaining water bodies.
Long-term Vision for Water Security
Mission Amrit Sarovar is more than just a short-term project—it is a transformative initiative aimed at ensuring long-term water security in India. By improving water availability, it enhances livelihoods, supports agriculture, and strengthens rural economies. The mission highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, communities, and technology to achieve sustainable water management.
With its continued success, Mission Amrit Sarovar is set to play a crucial role in reshaping India’s water landscape, making it more resilient against climate challenges and ensuring a water-secure future for generations to come.